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As a result of changes in the law going into effect on January 1, 2012, more people will be able to take advantage of the Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver's License (SIIRDL) as a result of alcohol-related offenses.*

On February 1, 2006, a SIIRDL was created for qualifying individuals during a period of suspension or revocation for alcohol-related offenses. A person whose Class D or G Driver License was suspended for refusal to submit to a blood alcohol concentration test, suspended for an extreme DUI or revoked for an aggravated DUI pursuant to A.R.S. § 28-1383(A)(3) could apply to the Division for a SIIRDL, which allows a person to operate a motor vehicle as restricted by law and equipped with a certified ignition interlock device (CIID) during the period of suspension or revocation. Also, the law allowed the Motor Vehicle Division to issue a SIIRDL to a person under 18 years of age, or a person age 18, 19, or 20, who has a court-ordered restriction pursuant to A.R.S. §§ 28-3320 or 28-3322, respectively.

Effective January 1, 2012, one of the significant changes in the law will now allow a person whose Arizona driver's license has been revoked as a result of a second violation of A.R.S. § 28-1381 or A.R.S. § 28-1382, to apply to the Motor Vehicle Division for a SIIRDL which will allow them to operate a motor vehicle during the period of revocation, subject to restrictions. In the past, there were no driving privileges permitted during the revocation period. Now, upon payment of the appropriate application fee, proof of SR-22 insurance and completion of substance abuse screening, you will be able to obtain a SIIRDL.**

The SIIRDL does not grant you full driving privileges. It is a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver's License. The driving restrictions placed upon you for purposes of this license are:

Between your place of employment and residence during specified periods of time while at employment.

Between your place of residence, your place of employment and your secondary or postsecondary school according to your employment or educational schedule.

Between your place of residence and a screening, education or treatment facility for scheduled appointments.

Between your place of residence and the office of your probation officer for scheduled appointments.

Between your place of residence and the office of a physician or other health care professional.

Between your place of residence and a certified ignition interlock device service facility.

Remember that this Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver's License does not reduce or eliminate the required use of an ignition interlock device required as a part of reinstatement of your full driving privileges after the revocation period has ended. The ignition interlock device is mandatory as a part of the reinstatement process. The SIIRDL will hopefully lessen the negative impact a suspension or revocation may have on your employment and/or schooling by allowing you to drive for these purposes during that time.

If you find yourself facing DUI or criminal charges, contact the lawyers at the Law Offices of Craig W. Penrod for a free initial legal consultation. Craig Penrod has been certified by the State Bar of Arizona as a criminal law specialist and The Law Offices of Craig W. Penrod has been involved in criminal and DUI defense for more than 20 years.

*The change in this law does not affect revocations which are in effect as a result of violation(s) which occurred prior to January 1, 2012.

**SIIRDL's are not available to out-of-state licensed drivers.

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About the Author

Craig W. Penrod was born and raised in Arizona and has practiced criminal defense for over 30 years. Mr. Penrod is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, Maricopa County Bar Association, State of Nevada Bar Association, American Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, Arizona Trial Lawyers Association, Nevada Trial Lawyers Association, Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.